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Mamma Fairy

Fairy Travels

Lapland – new for 2019

log cabin

Santa Claus Village Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

Last year we went on what was supposed to be a once in lifetime trip to Rovaniemi, Lapland. It so magical and captivating that we have decided to go back again this year. In conversation with Visit Rovaniemi I asked them was there any new activities/ restaurants for 2019.  They very kindly sent me on all the new activities etc which I though might be helpful for return visitors like ourselves.

New Accommodation:

  • Happy Fox: Happy Fox Suites
  • Apukka Resort: 17 new Aurora Cabins, 3  Lappish Komsio Suites.
  • Forenom: Forenom Serviced Apartments Rovaniemi Valtakatu 35, 96200 Rovaniemi.
  • Sky Hotel Ounasvaara opening after renovation as a 4 star hotel.
  • Nova Skyland: New apartments
  • Santa Claus Holiday Village: 14 new Family Suites, each suite fits 2 adults + 3 children.
  • District Rovaniemi: Yurt accommodation.
  • Arctic Dreams House: Private Luxury Experience in Ranua. Wikkelä Villa all inclusive –stays.
  • Snowest Travels: Villa Snowest, Villa for 16 persons (420m2) https://www.snowesttravels.com/villa-snowest/

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Features

And breathe! 5 ways to beat stress as a mature student

mobile phone in hand

Pic Credit: Pixabay

I think its safe to say that we experience stress of varying degrees throughout the day. But there are some moments that seem to really push us to our limits. Whether it’s a rainy, soggy school run that you’re already running late for. Unexpected visitors at the door when your house is probably less than fit for guests and trying to get the weekly shop done with a toddler that got bored after five very short minutes. 

And if you’re heading back into education as an adult, then you might be a little concerned about how you’re going to manage and beat your stress levels when you’ve got assignments due, children to look after and every day life to manage! If you’re worrying about your stress levels then read on for 4 ways to beat stress as a mature student. 

And if you are in a position to and can a really great way to integrate into student life as a mature student would be to stay in student accommodation like student homes Liverpool where you have the support of other students on site.

Get the knowledge you need

As a student you’re going to be learning lots throughout your studies. However, gaining a little extra studying knowledge before you dive straight into your studies will certainly keep your stress levels in check. If you’re worried about citations and correct referencing then its enough to push your anxiety through the roof – you can learn how to make an APA reference by clicking the link provided – or if you’re concerned about your spelling and grammar then consider getting in touch with a proofreader who can prove invaluable when it comes to finalising your assignments.  From experience it is really worth putting in the time and effort here to achieve to achieve the best possible grades.  

You can also speak with your tutor or professors if you’re struggling with something. Don’t be afraid to reach out wider for additional resources and assistance if needed places like Tavistock Tutors can help link you your tutor by phone, email or online making it very accessible and user friendly.

Eat well – eat healthy

I know this sounds basic but I cannot stress the importance of eating well. It can have some many benefits to your over health and well being which can serve you so well when you are studying or doing exams. Keeping your mind and body healthy. Aim for a diet as rich as possible in fresh fruit and vegetables and limit over processed food. My own aim is to eats foods as close to their original form as possible. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy the odd treat but I do aim for at least 80:20 in terms of “good” food. One of the things I have always loved is smoothies I find I can get a good mix of fruit and veg into my diet.

Make time for the activities you enjoy

You know what they say, study hard – play hard. Even if your idea of playing hard is doing a little yoga or catching up on your favourite TV box set! Make sure you do plenty of activities that allow you to relax and feel good. Constantly cramming your studies in and having little time for fun might mean that you come to resent your decision to go back to education. 

Don’t struggle in silence

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Your friends and family will want you to succeed as much as you do. So, don’t be afraid to ask for a little help. Maybe the kids are full of energy and you’re trying to study, or perhaps you have a mountain of housework that needs doing yet you’ve got some assignments to complete. Reaching out to your friends and family for a little support is a good idea. It means you can enjoy your studies a little more and not worry about neglecting the other important parts of your life.

Get plenty of sleep

Never underestimate the positive impact that a good nights sleep will have. You might think it logical to stay up and study long into the night, rather than picking up where you left off the next day. However, if you opt for a good nights sleep instead then you’ll be able to retain in the information better, concentrate more and your day will be more productive. Give it a try!  

Note: This is a collaborative post
Fairy Travels

Gothenburg with kids – A weekend visit

At the end of August we visited Gothenburg for 3 nights. It’s a city that wasn’t really on my radar up to that point but the lure of €9.99 flights from Ryanair made it very appealing! So with very little research I pressed book and we were heading to Gothenburg!  Gothenburg city is the largest non capital city in the Nordics and is located on the west coast of Sweden. It took just over 2 hours from Dublin which is perfect for a city break with kids.

Where we stayed

hotel receiption

How stunning is the reception of Gothia Towers Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy

There are a myriad of hotel options available in Gothenburg and it was hard to narrow the selection down. With it being a short break, kids in tow we knew we needed a central location.  We fell for Gothia Towers. This hotel is the largest in the Nordic region with a staggering 1,200 rooms, 8 restaurants including  Heaven 23 located on floor 23 with impressive views over Gothenburg.  The hotel comprises of three interlinking towers covering a vast 180,000 square meters.  Its hard to miss the swimming pool literally overhanging the street! Be warned if travelling with kids its ages 16 up for admission.

I would not normally be a fan of these big hotels however between the location, the services and the Trip Advisor rating we decided it was hard to pass this one.

Breakfast views at Gothia Towers Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

The location can’t be beaten it is located across from Liseburg which is a beautiful amusement park which has been open since 1923. Its also within walking distance of Avenyn which is the main street in Gothenburg. Both close by and within the hotel complex there are many options for food and drinks.

We had a family room with two double beds and 2 bathrooms which more than met our needs it was really big and spotlessly clean. Breakfast each morning was served on floor 29 which the kids really loved. Breakfast was so tasty and plentiful and really did fill us for the day. There was a great selection of breads, hot food and cold meats.  We tried two of the onsite restaurants and one of the bars:

  • Heaven 23 – located on the 23rd floor known for its cocktails and its world famous shrimp sandwich. We had a late lunch here and while we didn’t sample the cocktails we did opt for shrimp sandwich and it really was spectacular. Drooling just thinking about it again.
  • Ristoria – We had pizza here the night we arrived as the kids were starving and we thought best to get them feed before we head out exploring. Kids enjoyed it. Ours was just ok nothing overly exciting for the prices for example the kids was around €10 and adults mains were around €25 each.
  • Twentyfourseven – We had some very tasty cocktails the night we arrived at this lovely lobby bar while the kids played away at the kids play spaces at reception.  A great idea making it enjoyable for us and for them!

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Mamma Reviews

Why Choosing a Cheap Dentist in Battersea may not be the Best Idea

When looking for a new dentist in Battersea, do you choose the cheaper dentist or the best dentist to look after the oral health of you and your family? Well, the choice is yours, but remember that going for the cheaper option may not be in your best interests in the long run. Especially when it comes to the health care of your loved ones.
child at dentist

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Good quality dental care in the Battersea area is pretty much assured by most qualified dental practices in the region. However, due to many dentist being put under even more pressure to meet the demands of a busy dental surgery practice, and to accommodate as many patients and they can every day to reduce waiting lists, sometimes you may be worried that they will perform dental procedures faster than they normally should.

Obviously, dentists will never want to compromise a patients dental health, but when they feel they have to rush treatments to catch up with their tightly scheduled appointments, you do wonder if they have taken enough time and care to make sure treatments are absolutely perfect. This can mean a patient going away after having a filling done for example, but still feeling that there are rough edges that haven’t been properly smoothed down. This may even cause some tongue or inner cheek soreness or irritation that would need a further appointment with the dentist to have remedied. Not good for an already busy dental practice to have to book in, and not good for your purse or wallet either!

 

Choosing the best dentists

Having high quality dental procedures done properly do take time. Quite often a dental practice will allocate you a one-hour slot with your dentist for a treatment that would normally only take one hour to complete. However, we all know that things may not go as smoothly to plan as you want. What if the patient has some anxiety issues? They may need to stop for regular breaks that can extend their one-hour session by 30 minutes or more. This means that everyone else following that patient will have their appointments delayed by at least 30 minutes unless the dentist manages to catch up some time by cutting other appointments a little short.

Ideally you will want to book your important dental procedures with a dentist that will allow a bit of extra time. This means they will be a bit more flexible and will have the time available to dedicate to giving you a complete and thorough treatment that is finished off perfectly with no rushing involved. Sounds good yes, but this will obviously come at a price. You may have to pay a little bit more to have a service like this, but doing this will not only give you a much better quality of treatment, it can also save you time, money and distress by not having to return again at a later date to have something corrected or repaired.

It is not only the time factor that is important when choosing a dentist in Battersea. There are other consideration to take on board that will make it worth your while going with a better dentist rather than a cheap one. These factors include:

  • Using state-of-the art dental equipment with the latest advances in treatments
  • Having highly trained dental assistants that receive regular updated training
  • Awards and accolades from the dental community and dental associations
  • Years of experience as well as up-to-date training in modern dentistry methods
  • Good reputation in the community with loyal, regular patients
  • Good social profile of the dental surgery with positive feedback from patients

So in conclusion, it is wise not to go with the cheapest dentist option in Battersea. Do some background research and choose the one that offers their patients the best all-round service, regardless of the price. You could actually save money and receive a much better service in the long run.

Mamma Musings

How Does Changing Schools Affect Your Child

Children change schools for lots of reasons. Perhaps they have finished their journey at primary school and they’re moving onto secondary. Maybe they were being bullied at their last school and a fresh start is what they need. Sometimes it’s because their parents have to relocate due to work commitments. If you are considering moving your child to a new school, here is some information from pre-prep school in London on how it can affect them.

All children respond to change in different ways and while one child might hate the thought of moving to a new school, another might find it an exciting prospect. Regardless, there are big adjustments to be made at a new school. Firstly, your child will have to adapt to a new teacher and their unique teaching style. There might even be an entirely new curriculum. As a result, your child might fall behind in class and then become disinterested in their learning. It’s important that parents and teachers observe new students carefully and provide extra support if necessary. 

Your child may suffer from anxiety at their new school where they don’t know anyone. They may be upset at having to leave behind their old friends. With this in mind, it’s important to let your child stay in contact with their old friends so that they feel a little more in control. You could also arrange a playdate with the children at the new school so that your son or daughter has a couple of friends to support them when they start.

Make sure you talk to your child in-depth about the change and how they feel about it. Be honest and explain to them why they have to move schools so that they understand. Highlight the positive things about the change and give them the reassurance they need to move forward with confidence. 

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Home & Interiors

Top Tips for Protecting the Foundations of Your Home

Not many of us give a second thought to the foundations of our home, which is easily done considering you can’t actually see them. However, if they become damaged for any reason, you will more than likely start to notice damage above ground, such as cracked walls and outdoor paving, as well as leaky roofs. Even the grandest of homes can start to fall apart if they are not built on a strong, solid foundation.

A foundation solutions company have put together some tips below to help you protect your property’s foundations and avoid damage. 

 

  1. Keep nearby trees and plants sufficiently watered. If you don’t, they will soak up all of the moisture in the soil which will cause it to shrink.
    man digging

    Pic Credit: Pixabay

    Your building’s foundations will then shift into the new gaps within the soil, causing cracks inside your home. This is a particularly important piece of advice to remember during summer when rain becomes less frequent.

  2. In fact, avoid planting trees to close to your house. Of course, they are lovely to look at but if they’re too close to your property the roots can start to wreak havoc below ground.
  3. Monitor changes in the area. Is there any planned construction work in the area? If so, consider how it could interfere with your own property and take necessary measures to counteract them.
  4. Ensure you have sufficient drainage. Too much water can be just as problematic as when there’s not enough. With that in mind, make sure to clean out your gutters every once in a while so that they don’t become blocked with leaves and other debris. If you do have pools of water appear on your property after bouts of heavy rain, be sure to clear it away.

If you require any further advice, don’t hesitate to speak to a professional.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Mamma Reviews

What Age Can My Child Walk to School Alone?

The first time your child walks to school alone is a daunting experience, both for them and for their parents. Although there is no legal minimum age, it’s up to parents to use their best judgement regarding an appropriate time for children to start walking alone. There are lots of factors to consider, as explored by a private school in Hertfordshire below.

There are obviously lots of benefits for children who walk to and from school; they get plenty of fresh air and exercise and it can encourage independence and confidence. What’s more, it frees up parents’ time so that they can get off to work without being late or negotiating different hours. However, there are also some safety concerns, which what sparks the debate regarding an appropriate age. 

You need to start by thinking about how mature your child is. Do they understand the rules of the road and are they aware of ‘stranger danger’? Every child is different and while one might be extremely mature at the age of 10, another might be quite childish and silly, in which case it might not be the right time for them. 

Does your child have a mobile phone? Using GPS technology, you could keep track of your child via their mobile phone so that you can check they made it to and from school safely. Having a mobile phone will also make it easier for your child to get in touch with you or another responsible adult, should there be any problems on their commute. 

Another thing to think about is the commute itself. Do lots of other parents and children take the same route to the school every day or is it a completely secluded trip? Are there any dark alleyways or are the roads well-lit and well-paved? If you don’t like the thought of your child walking this route alone then it’s probably not the best idea; trust your gut as a parent. 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Home & Interiors

5 Great Tips for Packing and Moving Valuable Art

We all love fine objects of art, and when it comes to moving such items, one has to be very careful indeed, as these delicate objects can easily get damaged. Here are a few tips from the professionals regarding the transportation of art.

 

Framed Art

A framed oil painting or print that has a glass front should be protected by first sticking a large cross of masking tape across the glass, which would hold any pieces together in the event of a breakage. If the art does not have glass, you need to protect the painted surface and wrapping the frame with cling film is the best solution, making sure, of course, that the cling film cannot touch the painted surface. Then, wrap the entire thing in a layer of bubble wrap, which protects against bumps and knocks of any kind, and the item is ready to be transported.

Packing Sculptures

Delicate sculptures need to be very well protected, and if you live in Australia, Vic Palmer Removals and Storage is the trusted office removals Brisbane expert with a lot of experience transporting objects of art and valuable antiques. They do not just offer office removals but residential home moving as well. When dealing with sculptures, start with wrapping the delicate parts with cling film which will protect the surfaces, and then wrap tailored strips of bubble wrap on top of the cling film, using tape to secure them. Eventually, you will end up with an egg-shaped object that is 100% protected and the item can be stored and tied down on the vehicle.

Large Sculptures

This would involve the use of a made to measure crate, and with lots of bubble wrap, the item will not move around while inside the crate. You are not advised to transport large sculptures, rather you should call in a professional removalist that has experiencing moving valuable objects of art.

Think Things Through

You need to look at the complete journey, starting with leaving your current home, right through to entering the new abode and arriving at the eventual destination just to make sure that there are no tight corners or other obstacles that might prove to be a problem. This really only applies to larger pieces of art, obviously, as smaller items are not usually an issue, and you should also look at the route, to determine if there are uneven sections of road that might be a problem.

Insurance

If the piece is very valuable, then you should have it insured, and depending on the value, the removalist’s insurance might cover the transportation. Even when experienced people are handling the move, it is better to have it fully insured for every eventuality.

Whatever the items of art you need moving, talk to an experienced removalist who handles expensive art items, and they would be happy to visit you, inspect the items and offer a competitive quote to handle the project. By using the professionals, you can rest assured that your valuable art is in safe hands.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Mamma Musings

Top Tips for Removing Stains from School Uniform

kids writing

Pic Credit: Pixabay

All parents have been there; scrubbing stubborn stains from our son or daughter’s school uniform. How on earth do they manage to get their clothes so dirty, right? Here are some tips that I hope will help you keep your child’s uniform looking its best. 

Grass Stains

Bright green streaks on the knees and elbows are not uncommon for kids, especially if they’re into sports. Whether it’s from their PE lesson or from playing out at lunch, grass stains are unavoidable. For this type of stain you should try mixing white vinegar and baking soda and scrubbing with a toothbrush. After the stain has reduced somewhat, you can wash the garment as usual. 

Paint

Does your child often come home from school, having had an art lesson at some point during the day, with paint stains down their clothes, or maybe just on their sleeves if you’re lucky. If the paint is water-based and dried-on, use an old toothbrush to scrub as much of it off as possible. Then you can apply a mix of washing detergent and water and sponge it in. 

Biro

Another common stain, but if you treat biro quickly you can minimise the damage. Something as simple as hairspray or other alcohol based products can do the trick. Spray the hairspray liberally and dab it using a damp cloth. Wash as normal once the stain has lightened and pray for a miracle.

Grease

Although it might seem strain, coca cola is a great treatment for grease stains. Put the garment in a bowl and pour the fizzy drink over it until it’s completely submerged. Leave it to soak for around half an hour and then wash as normal.

 

If you  have any of your own tips, feel free to share them; we parents need to stick together!

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Mamma Reviews

Early signs of deterioration in children

Around 5,000 children under the age of 18 die each year in the UK, which makes for a sobering statistic indeed. Many of these deaths could likely have been prevented if healthcare professionals had spotted a deterioration in health more quickly.

Many children who pass away in hospital have often shown observable signs of increased illness in the hours, days and weeks before hospital admission.

One report carried out recently showed that around 1 in 5 children who die in hospital have avoidable factors leading to death and up to half of children have potentially avoidable factors. Other studies have examined the signs (physiological and behavioural) of deterioration that may be present in the period preceding a cardiopulmonary arrest and the fact that these features are often not recognised or acted on quickly enough by hospital staff.

Sadly, due to rising rates of conditions like asthma, diabetes and other chronic health problems in children, cardiac arrest due to complications is more likely than ever before. This is perhaps particularly the case when hospital resources are stretched and nurses may not have time to notice a child’s health deteriorating. There is also much more reliance on technology these days, giving less opportunity for healthcare providers to have a ‘gut feeling’ about a child. After all, sometimes things just don’t seem right.

Unfortunately again, although the percentage of paediatric cardiopulmonary arrests in children who are inpatients admission is said to be low, the chances of survival are worryingly poor. This is what makes spotting a child’s deteriorating health and treating them quickly so vitally important, especially as complications can result from conditions usually considered minor.

Can you confidently spot when a child’s health is deteriorating?

If you regularly work with sick children suffering any form of chronic or life-limiting condition, then spotting the warning signs can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Our scheduled CDP course – The Deteriorating Child – is ideal for clinicians at all levels who carry out assessments and manage paediatric patients in emergency, acute, urgent and primary care settings. It offers the chance to boost your skills, find out more about the latest NICE guidelines and meet others in your profession.

There are two dates available, one on the 4th December 2019 and another on 12th June 2020.  It’s a one-day course worth 7 hours of CPD, and is held at Hamilton House in London. Refreshments, all course equipment, evaluations and certificates are provided but this popular course can book up fast so it’s well worth securing your place early.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post